The United States military is reportedly preparing detailed contingency plans for potential airstrikes in Nigeria, following President Donald Trump’s directive to the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” in order to protect Christians from terrorist attacks, according to The New York Times.
The report, released on Wednesday, revealed that the U.S. Africa Command had submitted several operational strategies to the Department of Defense after Secretary Pete Hegseth requested plans aligned with Trump’s instructions.
Sources familiar with the matter told The New York Times that the proposals—labelled “heavy,” “medium,” and “light”—outline varying levels of military involvement in Nigeria.
Under the “heavy” plan, the U.S. would deploy an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea, supported by fighter jets and long-range bombers capable of hitting militant targets deep within northern Nigeria.
The “medium” plan involves the use of MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones to carry out precision strikes on insurgent bases, convoys, and vehicles. These operations would be guided by U.S. intelligence to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
The “light” option centres on intelligence sharing, logistical assistance, and joint missions with Nigerian forces to tackle Boko Haram and other Islamist groups blamed for widespread killings, kidnappings, and church attacks.
Senior Pentagon officials reportedly acknowledged that limited airstrikes or drone operations alone are unlikely to end Nigeria’s long-running insurgency without a full-scale campaign similar to those in Iraq or Afghanistan—an approach Washington is not currently considering.
Earlier reports by Channels Television stated that President Trump had warned he might send U.S. troops into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” if the Nigerian government failed to stop the killing of Christians by Islamist extremists.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately halt all aid and could enter that disgraced country ‘guns-a-blazing’ to eliminate the Islamic terrorists responsible for these atrocities,” Trump said on Truth Social.
He added, “I am directing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we strike, it will be swift, fierce, and decisive.”
The statement followed Trump’s declaration of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to what he described as the “mass slaughter” of Christians.
“Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians have been killed. Radical Islamists are behind this mass killing,” he wrote, adding that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities persist.” He also directed Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole to investigate the situation.
Tinubu Rejects Claims of Religious Intolerance
In response, President Bola Tinubu, in a statement personally signed on Saturday, dismissed allegations that Nigeria is hostile towards Christians, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to religious freedom and tolerance.
“The description of Nigeria as a religiously intolerant nation does not reflect our reality and fails to recognise our government’s continued efforts to protect freedom of religion and belief,” Tinubu stated.
He explained that since 2023, his administration has actively engaged both Christian and Muslim leaders while addressing security challenges affecting citizens of all faiths and regions.
“Religious liberty and tolerance are integral to our national identity and will always remain so. Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees the protection of every citizen’s faith, and our government remains committed to working with the United States and the international community to safeguard all religious groups,” the president concluded.